Motoring festival for Rolleston

Rolleston’s John Winchester (second from left) and a few of his car-loving mates, are putting together Selwyn’s first ever motor show with the hope of making it an annual event

The ‘Selwyn Motor Fest and Family Fun Day’ is scheduled for November with all proceeds from the day going to support the St John Ambulance Service in Selwyn.

The man behind the event is Rolleston local John Winchester who has put together a committee of like-minded local car enthusiasts to help get the show up and running.

“I have been overwhelmed with the commitment from everyone that has put their hand up through what so far has been a word of mouth process,” Mr Winchester said. “I have been bowled over by all these great locals, including the support from Rolleston and Districts Lions, that are chipping in together to get the inaugural event off the ground” says John.

One of those to put their hand up to help out is another Rolleston local Steve Wright.

“We now have a great format for the day outlined and it is time to start sourcing sponsors and beginning to get the word out,” Mr Wright said.

“Between the local support and car club interest the Selwyn Motor Fest and Family Fun Day is looking to be a fantastic annual community event. We really need some key sponsors to come on board to ensure the success of this massive event.

“We have over 600 cars on the contact list, heaps of events for kids planned on the day and the best thing is that any profits raised out of the day go to help out our friends at St John.”

The Selwyn District Council has provided an event grant to help to get off the ground.

Rolleston based district councillor Craig Watson said he has been talked into helping out by Mr Winchester, his neighbour.

Organisers of the Selwyn Motor Fest fuel up for this year’s inaugural show

“It has been incredible showing up to these shed meetings with 20 or 30 folk from all different backgrounds with totally different lives but a common interest in all things with a motor,” Cr Watson said.

“Honestly, I think this event is going to grow each year and become a feature event for the district. I hope grassroots initiatives such as this put to bed the ridiculous mutterings that there is no community spirit in Rolleston.”

The Selwyn Motor Fest and Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday November 26, opposite the new roundabout by Rolleston College and will feature a wide variety of vehicles including classic cars, muscle cars, motorbikes, tractors, luxury cars, trucks and sports cars.

“If it has a motor and an owner who wants to display their pride and joy, we want to see it on show,” Mr Wright said.

Entertainment on the day will include bouncy castles, food trucks, emergency service displays and defence representation is also on the cards.

Businesses wanting to help out with sponsorship, and car owners with vehicles to display their vehicles can contact Craig Watson on 027 807 2097 or email CrCraig.Watson@selwyn.govt.nz.